FORESTRY COMMISSION
The Forestry Commission is seeking an experienced and strategic planning professional to lead a newly established team dedicated to strengthening the role of trees and woodlands within the planning system. This is an exciting opportunity to influence planning policy and development decisions at national, regional and local levels, ensuring that the environmental, social and economic benefits of trees and woodlands are fully recognised as England delivers significant housing, infrastructure and economic growth. Reporting to the Head of Planning, Infrastructure and the Built Environment, you will lead a team comprising five Area Planning Delivery Advisers and a Planning Coordinator, providing strategic direction, leadership and oversight across a diverse portfolio of planning and development activity. The team will coordinate the Forestry Commission's engagement with Spatial Development Strategies, Local Plans, Tree and Woodland Strategies, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), planning applications and other land-use change proposals, helping to secure positive outcomes for trees, woodlands and wider green infrastructure. A key aspect of the role will be establishing and embedding this new function within the wider organisation. You will be responsible for setting priorities, developing capability, monitoring performance and driving continuous improvement, while ensuring strong alignment and effective collaboration with existing planning specialists and Area Team colleagues. Building a cohesive and integrated approach across both new and established roles will be critical to the team's success. You will also lead the development of guidance, resources and processes that enhance the Forestry Commission's ability to fulfil its responsibilities for expanding, protecting, improving and connecting woodlands across the country, while ensuring a consistent and effective approach to planning engagement. Working within the Planning, Infrastructure and Built Environment Team, you will collaborate closely with policy, infrastructure and operational colleagues, alongside a wide range of external stakeholders across the planning, development, environmental and land management sectors. Through these partnerships, you will help shape plans, policies and major development proposals, ensuring that trees and woodlands are embedded as a fundamental component of sustainable growth and place-making. This is a high-profile leadership role requiring strong planning expertise, proven experience of leading and developing teams, excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence decision-making at all levels. The role requires occasional nationwide travel. We support blended working, combining time at a base office location with home working. Candidates will be required to travel nationwide. Key Responsibilities Manage the delivery of the Forestry Commissions statutory and non-statutory responses to planning consultations, including Spatial Development Strategies, Local Plans, NSIPs, Planning Applications, Tree and Woodland Strategies, etc. Provide Leadership and management of the Planning Delivery group, including the five area based advisers and the planning co-ordinator role. Establish a high-performing, collaborative team culture, ensuring effective alignment with existing Area Team staff, integration with established ways of working, and consistent engagement across the Forestry Commission. Forensically assess, identify and review the delivery of the Forestry Commissions planning work. Including working practices, to help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the advice given. Oversee the development of key resources that will improve consultation responses including internal guidance, templates, standard responses and text as part of the development of the casework tracking system Provide regular, timely and accurate reporting on the Forestry Commission's planning performance and delivery, including maintaining effective relationships with Defra and MHCLG to ensure reporting requirements, priorities and stakeholder expectations are met. Provide updates for the national planning delivery team and area teams on changes to the planning system and the Forestry Commissions role within in it. Work with other Senior Planners across PIBE to provide leadership and guidance to the national Planning Delivery Team and Area Teams on developments within the planning system, ensuring colleagues remain informed of legislative, policy and procedural changes, and understand the Forestry Commission's role, responsibilities and strategic priorities within the planning process. Develop and implement a casework review process that supports advisers and managers in producing high-quality, consistent and proportionate responses to planning consultations and applications.' Person specification Essential Degree/Higher Diploma in Town and Country Planning or extensive experience in planning delivery Experience of representing the interests of Forestry and/or Trees and Woodlands within the planning system, through development plans and engagement with development projects. Line Management experience, providing leadership and co-ordination of a working group. Competent and effective IT user with experience of MS Office and also including remote working and associated communication tools (e.g. MS Teams). Experience of stakeholder management - building strong business relationships and collaborative working to deliver mutually beneficial results. Confident interpersonal and communication skills with experience of presenting to a range of audiences, both verbally and written. Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, influencing outcomes and securing collaborative solutions within complex and often competing environments. Please clearly demonstrate how the above applies to you throughout your application. Failure to do so will mean that your application is automatically sifted out. Desirable Member, or eligible for membership, of one of the following, Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), Institute of Chartered Foresters (MICFor), TCPI, CIEEM or other relevant chartered body. Knowledge and experience of considering landscape impacts of development Experience of managing a team that has provided improved performance for development planning work. Demonstration of detailed monitoring and reporting of performance and implementing measures to address identified issues. Essential Technical: Planning experience, including interacting and contributing towards local plans, major developments and using planning guidance and policy. Environmental/forestry/ecological knowledge Forestry regulations useful Able to assess and analyse planning documents (plans, surveys etc) Comfortable with interrogating maps/spatial data Fixed term Appointment to 30th March 2028. This is a Temporary Appointment with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee.
The Forestry Commission is seeking an experienced and strategic planning professional to lead a newly established team dedicated to strengthening the role of trees and woodlands within the planning system. This is an exciting opportunity to influence planning policy and development decisions at national, regional and local levels, ensuring that the environmental, social and economic benefits of trees and woodlands are fully recognised as England delivers significant housing, infrastructure and economic growth. Reporting to the Head of Planning, Infrastructure and the Built Environment, you will lead a team comprising five Area Planning Delivery Advisers and a Planning Coordinator, providing strategic direction, leadership and oversight across a diverse portfolio of planning and development activity. The team will coordinate the Forestry Commission's engagement with Spatial Development Strategies, Local Plans, Tree and Woodland Strategies, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), planning applications and other land-use change proposals, helping to secure positive outcomes for trees, woodlands and wider green infrastructure. A key aspect of the role will be establishing and embedding this new function within the wider organisation. You will be responsible for setting priorities, developing capability, monitoring performance and driving continuous improvement, while ensuring strong alignment and effective collaboration with existing planning specialists and Area Team colleagues. Building a cohesive and integrated approach across both new and established roles will be critical to the team's success. You will also lead the development of guidance, resources and processes that enhance the Forestry Commission's ability to fulfil its responsibilities for expanding, protecting, improving and connecting woodlands across the country, while ensuring a consistent and effective approach to planning engagement. Working within the Planning, Infrastructure and Built Environment Team, you will collaborate closely with policy, infrastructure and operational colleagues, alongside a wide range of external stakeholders across the planning, development, environmental and land management sectors. Through these partnerships, you will help shape plans, policies and major development proposals, ensuring that trees and woodlands are embedded as a fundamental component of sustainable growth and place-making. This is a high-profile leadership role requiring strong planning expertise, proven experience of leading and developing teams, excellent stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence decision-making at all levels. The role requires occasional nationwide travel. We support blended working, combining time at a base office location with home working. Candidates will be required to travel nationwide. Key Responsibilities Manage the delivery of the Forestry Commissions statutory and non-statutory responses to planning consultations, including Spatial Development Strategies, Local Plans, NSIPs, Planning Applications, Tree and Woodland Strategies, etc. Provide Leadership and management of the Planning Delivery group, including the five area based advisers and the planning co-ordinator role. Establish a high-performing, collaborative team culture, ensuring effective alignment with existing Area Team staff, integration with established ways of working, and consistent engagement across the Forestry Commission. Forensically assess, identify and review the delivery of the Forestry Commissions planning work. Including working practices, to help improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the advice given. Oversee the development of key resources that will improve consultation responses including internal guidance, templates, standard responses and text as part of the development of the casework tracking system Provide regular, timely and accurate reporting on the Forestry Commission's planning performance and delivery, including maintaining effective relationships with Defra and MHCLG to ensure reporting requirements, priorities and stakeholder expectations are met. Provide updates for the national planning delivery team and area teams on changes to the planning system and the Forestry Commissions role within in it. Work with other Senior Planners across PIBE to provide leadership and guidance to the national Planning Delivery Team and Area Teams on developments within the planning system, ensuring colleagues remain informed of legislative, policy and procedural changes, and understand the Forestry Commission's role, responsibilities and strategic priorities within the planning process. Develop and implement a casework review process that supports advisers and managers in producing high-quality, consistent and proportionate responses to planning consultations and applications.' Person specification Essential Degree/Higher Diploma in Town and Country Planning or extensive experience in planning delivery Experience of representing the interests of Forestry and/or Trees and Woodlands within the planning system, through development plans and engagement with development projects. Line Management experience, providing leadership and co-ordination of a working group. Competent and effective IT user with experience of MS Office and also including remote working and associated communication tools (e.g. MS Teams). Experience of stakeholder management - building strong business relationships and collaborative working to deliver mutually beneficial results. Confident interpersonal and communication skills with experience of presenting to a range of audiences, both verbally and written. Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, influencing outcomes and securing collaborative solutions within complex and often competing environments. Please clearly demonstrate how the above applies to you throughout your application. Failure to do so will mean that your application is automatically sifted out. Desirable Member, or eligible for membership, of one of the following, Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), Institute of Chartered Foresters (MICFor), TCPI, CIEEM or other relevant chartered body. Knowledge and experience of considering landscape impacts of development Experience of managing a team that has provided improved performance for development planning work. Demonstration of detailed monitoring and reporting of performance and implementing measures to address identified issues. Essential Technical: Planning experience, including interacting and contributing towards local plans, major developments and using planning guidance and policy. Environmental/forestry/ecological knowledge Forestry regulations useful Able to assess and analyse planning documents (plans, surveys etc) Comfortable with interrogating maps/spatial data Fixed term Appointment to 30th March 2028. This is a Temporary Appointment with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee.
FORESTRY COMMISSION
The Area Planning Advisor will be responsible for co-ordinating and providing detailed planning responses to consultations for Spatial Development Strategies (SCS), Local Plans, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) planning applications and advice for decision makers on tree and woodland issues across our Area Teams. They will work closely with members of the area and national teams to protect, improve and expand woodland though proactively engaging with planning authorities & systems and supporting capacity building within the Area Team and the woodland sector. We are recruiting for five roles across the following regions: South East and London South West North West or West Midlands East of England or East Midlands North East, Yorkshire and the Humber When submitting your application, please state in your personal statement which region would be your preferred location to work in. Key work areas Co-ordinate and triage consultations related to the FC's planning work, across Area and National Team colleagues. This will include managing a number of hand offs', case conferences and where necessary small project teams to respond to key consultations and engage with targeted authorities and development projects. Proactively engage with the planning system to improve woodland outcomes from development via formal responses to National Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP's) as well as TCPA planning applications and proposals. Engage with local authorities, conservation organisations and partnerships to encourage production of tree and woodland strategies and to consider trees and woodlands part of their responsibilities/remit. Take a lead on both standard and bespoke responses to planning applications, and the FC's charged for service in regards to our advice. Champion the role of trees and woodland as part of green infrastructure via the planning system and by working with key stakeholders/partners such as catchment partnerships, National Parks, Protected Landscapes and landscape / woodland partnerships. Collaborate and support Area Team colleagues with the development of innovative and effective promotion and engagement to deliver woodland creation. Work collaboratively with Mayoral Authorities and Local Authorities on the development and adoption of their Spatial Development Strategies and Local Plans, acting as project management and liaison support for the delivery of this work. Support the wider Area Team including Local Partnership Advisers, Partnership and Expertise Managers, Nature Recovery Advisers, Ecologists, etc. to engage effectively with the planning system. This will include working with Defra, Natural England and the Environment Agency to support local authorities with Local Nature Recovery Strategies. Work within the National Planning, Infrastructure and Built Environment (PIBE) Team to improve practice, build capacity and develop new resources that will improve the FC's responses to planning consultations. The successful applicant will have a passion for woodlands and forests and for the benefits to society, the environment and the economy they provide. They will advocate with knowledge and enthusiasm the environmental and other benefits that woodlands provide. Person specification Essential Degree/Higher Diploma in Town and Country Planning or forestry/land management/countryside management/ environment management/ and/or significant related experience in partnership working centred on land management / planning / tree and forestry issues. Competent and effective IT user with experience of MS Office and also including remote working and associated communication tools (e.g. MS Teams). Experience of stakeholder management - building strong business relationships and collaborative working to deliver mutually beneficial results. Confident interpersonal and communication skills with experience of presenting to a range of audiences, both verbally and written. People management experience or the capability to take on this responsibility. Please clearly demonstrate how the above applies to you throughout your application. Failure to do so will mean that your application is automatically sifted out. Desirable Member, or eligible for membership, of one of the following, Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), Institute of Chartered Foresters (MICFor), CIEEM or other relevant chartered body. Experience of influencing external organisations to achieve environmental benefits Technical: Experience and knowledge of both the TCPA and NSIP planning process and associated policy and guidance for trees, woodlands and forestry Experience and knowledge of forestry, ecology and /or environmental assessment Experience and knowledge of Forestry Regulations Able to assess and analyse planning documents (plans, surveys etc) Comfortable with interrogating maps/spatial data. Fixed Term Appointment until 30th March 2028 with possibility of extension or permanency, but no guarantee.
The Area Planning Advisor will be responsible for co-ordinating and providing detailed planning responses to consultations for Spatial Development Strategies (SCS), Local Plans, Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs), Town and Country Planning Act (TCPA) planning applications and advice for decision makers on tree and woodland issues across our Area Teams. They will work closely with members of the area and national teams to protect, improve and expand woodland though proactively engaging with planning authorities & systems and supporting capacity building within the Area Team and the woodland sector. We are recruiting for five roles across the following regions: South East and London South West North West or West Midlands East of England or East Midlands North East, Yorkshire and the Humber When submitting your application, please state in your personal statement which region would be your preferred location to work in. Key work areas Co-ordinate and triage consultations related to the FC's planning work, across Area and National Team colleagues. This will include managing a number of hand offs', case conferences and where necessary small project teams to respond to key consultations and engage with targeted authorities and development projects. Proactively engage with the planning system to improve woodland outcomes from development via formal responses to National Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP's) as well as TCPA planning applications and proposals. Engage with local authorities, conservation organisations and partnerships to encourage production of tree and woodland strategies and to consider trees and woodlands part of their responsibilities/remit. Take a lead on both standard and bespoke responses to planning applications, and the FC's charged for service in regards to our advice. Champion the role of trees and woodland as part of green infrastructure via the planning system and by working with key stakeholders/partners such as catchment partnerships, National Parks, Protected Landscapes and landscape / woodland partnerships. Collaborate and support Area Team colleagues with the development of innovative and effective promotion and engagement to deliver woodland creation. Work collaboratively with Mayoral Authorities and Local Authorities on the development and adoption of their Spatial Development Strategies and Local Plans, acting as project management and liaison support for the delivery of this work. Support the wider Area Team including Local Partnership Advisers, Partnership and Expertise Managers, Nature Recovery Advisers, Ecologists, etc. to engage effectively with the planning system. This will include working with Defra, Natural England and the Environment Agency to support local authorities with Local Nature Recovery Strategies. Work within the National Planning, Infrastructure and Built Environment (PIBE) Team to improve practice, build capacity and develop new resources that will improve the FC's responses to planning consultations. The successful applicant will have a passion for woodlands and forests and for the benefits to society, the environment and the economy they provide. They will advocate with knowledge and enthusiasm the environmental and other benefits that woodlands provide. Person specification Essential Degree/Higher Diploma in Town and Country Planning or forestry/land management/countryside management/ environment management/ and/or significant related experience in partnership working centred on land management / planning / tree and forestry issues. Competent and effective IT user with experience of MS Office and also including remote working and associated communication tools (e.g. MS Teams). Experience of stakeholder management - building strong business relationships and collaborative working to deliver mutually beneficial results. Confident interpersonal and communication skills with experience of presenting to a range of audiences, both verbally and written. People management experience or the capability to take on this responsibility. Please clearly demonstrate how the above applies to you throughout your application. Failure to do so will mean that your application is automatically sifted out. Desirable Member, or eligible for membership, of one of the following, Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), Institute of Chartered Foresters (MICFor), CIEEM or other relevant chartered body. Experience of influencing external organisations to achieve environmental benefits Technical: Experience and knowledge of both the TCPA and NSIP planning process and associated policy and guidance for trees, woodlands and forestry Experience and knowledge of forestry, ecology and /or environmental assessment Experience and knowledge of Forestry Regulations Able to assess and analyse planning documents (plans, surveys etc) Comfortable with interrogating maps/spatial data. Fixed Term Appointment until 30th March 2028 with possibility of extension or permanency, but no guarantee.
FORESTRY COMMISSION
The Infrastructure Adviser will be responsible for providing the Forestry Commissions responses to major infrastructure projects including projects subject to the Lead Environmental Regulator process, to protect, enhance and expand trees and woodland as part of sustainable development. They will work closely with members of the area and national teams, from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, to identify impacts and opportunities for woodland creation, using data, evidence and good practice advice. Through positive engagement with developers, planning authorities and other Government bodies, the Infrastructure Adviser will be responsible for developing strategic mitigation that supports infrastructure, while helping to expand, protect, improve and connect woodland. They will support the creation and roll out of a 'paid for service' from infrastructure developers that contributes towards the organisation's time spent on these projects, and will act as the 'go-to' project and relationship leads for high-profile infrastructure projects, such as (but not limited to) High Speed 2 and East West Rail. Key Responsibilities 1. Coordinate and communicate: Lead and coordinate between colleagues across multiple teams and specialisms, to bring together clear and targeted advice on impacts and opportunities from infrastructure projects, which takes account of technical advice (eg ecology, forestry), national planning policy and legislation, local strategies (including Local Nature Recovery Strategies) and local knowledge from Area team colleagues. Participate positively in multi-stakeholder meetings - presenting positions robustly and effectively and positively challenging proposals to ensure good practice is followed. 2. Technical planning advice: Assess and provide detailed advice and responses to major infrastructure development proposals to determine impacts on trees and woodland, particularly ancient and veteran, as well as opportunities for trees and woodland as part of green infrastructure and to provide nature based solutions as part of development proposals. This will involve reviewing detailed evidence, such as technical reports and maps, to highlight impacts and potential solutions in relation to relevant policy and legislation including the Planning Act 2008 and the Lead Environmental Regulator process, good practice and using digital tools including the Forestry Commission's internal GIS-based mapping system. 3. Relationship manager: Work with external customers and partners, including Government bodies, to build trust and positive working-relationships. In particular, support with the development and roll out with a consistent cost-recovery 'offer' for infrastructure development projects. Act as the relationship and contract lead for key projects, such as East West Rail or High Speed 2, responsible for positive engagement and giving advice. Establish and work within clear expectations according to Service Level Agreements in budget and on time. Help build FC's reputation as a robust, positive and reliable consultee and advisor on infrastructure projects that help stakeholders through the planning process in a way that secures the best possible outcomes for trees/woodland which also deliver multi-functional benefits for projects as part of sustainable growth. Most work will be desk-based but there is likely to be the need to travel to potential development sites and external meetings and events online and face to face. The successful applicant will have a passion for woodlands and forests and for the benefits to society, the environment and the economy they provide. They will advocate with knowledge and enthusiasm the environmental and other benefits that woodlands provide. Person specification Essential: Degree/Higher Diploma in Town and Country Planning or forestry/land management/countryside management/ environment management/ and/or significant related experience in partnership working centred on land management / planning / tree and forestry issues. Experience of stakeholder management - building strong business relationships and collaborative working to deliver mutually beneficial results. Confident interpersonal and communication skills with experience of presenting to a range of audiences, both verbally and written. Competent and effective IT user with experience of MS Office and also including remote working and associated communication tools (e.g. MS Teams). People management experience or the capability to take on this responsibility. Organisation: Ability to work to deadlines, manage multiple ongoing projects with peaks and troughs Technical Essential: Knowledge and experience of the planning system including the NSIP process Knowledge and experience of environmental policy/forestry/ecology Understanding of the Forestry Regulations Able to assess and analyse planning documents (plans, surveys etc) Comfortable with interrogating maps/spatial data Please clearly demonstrate how the above applies to you throughout your application. Failure to do so will mean that your application is automatically sifted out. Desirable: Member, or eligible for membership, of one of the following, Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), Institute of Chartered Foresters (MICFor), CIEEM or other relevant chartered body. Experience of influencing external organisations to achieve environmental benefits. Fixed term Appointment to 30th March 2028. This is a Temporary Appointment with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee.
The Infrastructure Adviser will be responsible for providing the Forestry Commissions responses to major infrastructure projects including projects subject to the Lead Environmental Regulator process, to protect, enhance and expand trees and woodland as part of sustainable development. They will work closely with members of the area and national teams, from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, to identify impacts and opportunities for woodland creation, using data, evidence and good practice advice. Through positive engagement with developers, planning authorities and other Government bodies, the Infrastructure Adviser will be responsible for developing strategic mitigation that supports infrastructure, while helping to expand, protect, improve and connect woodland. They will support the creation and roll out of a 'paid for service' from infrastructure developers that contributes towards the organisation's time spent on these projects, and will act as the 'go-to' project and relationship leads for high-profile infrastructure projects, such as (but not limited to) High Speed 2 and East West Rail. Key Responsibilities 1. Coordinate and communicate: Lead and coordinate between colleagues across multiple teams and specialisms, to bring together clear and targeted advice on impacts and opportunities from infrastructure projects, which takes account of technical advice (eg ecology, forestry), national planning policy and legislation, local strategies (including Local Nature Recovery Strategies) and local knowledge from Area team colleagues. Participate positively in multi-stakeholder meetings - presenting positions robustly and effectively and positively challenging proposals to ensure good practice is followed. 2. Technical planning advice: Assess and provide detailed advice and responses to major infrastructure development proposals to determine impacts on trees and woodland, particularly ancient and veteran, as well as opportunities for trees and woodland as part of green infrastructure and to provide nature based solutions as part of development proposals. This will involve reviewing detailed evidence, such as technical reports and maps, to highlight impacts and potential solutions in relation to relevant policy and legislation including the Planning Act 2008 and the Lead Environmental Regulator process, good practice and using digital tools including the Forestry Commission's internal GIS-based mapping system. 3. Relationship manager: Work with external customers and partners, including Government bodies, to build trust and positive working-relationships. In particular, support with the development and roll out with a consistent cost-recovery 'offer' for infrastructure development projects. Act as the relationship and contract lead for key projects, such as East West Rail or High Speed 2, responsible for positive engagement and giving advice. Establish and work within clear expectations according to Service Level Agreements in budget and on time. Help build FC's reputation as a robust, positive and reliable consultee and advisor on infrastructure projects that help stakeholders through the planning process in a way that secures the best possible outcomes for trees/woodland which also deliver multi-functional benefits for projects as part of sustainable growth. Most work will be desk-based but there is likely to be the need to travel to potential development sites and external meetings and events online and face to face. The successful applicant will have a passion for woodlands and forests and for the benefits to society, the environment and the economy they provide. They will advocate with knowledge and enthusiasm the environmental and other benefits that woodlands provide. Person specification Essential: Degree/Higher Diploma in Town and Country Planning or forestry/land management/countryside management/ environment management/ and/or significant related experience in partnership working centred on land management / planning / tree and forestry issues. Experience of stakeholder management - building strong business relationships and collaborative working to deliver mutually beneficial results. Confident interpersonal and communication skills with experience of presenting to a range of audiences, both verbally and written. Competent and effective IT user with experience of MS Office and also including remote working and associated communication tools (e.g. MS Teams). People management experience or the capability to take on this responsibility. Organisation: Ability to work to deadlines, manage multiple ongoing projects with peaks and troughs Technical Essential: Knowledge and experience of the planning system including the NSIP process Knowledge and experience of environmental policy/forestry/ecology Understanding of the Forestry Regulations Able to assess and analyse planning documents (plans, surveys etc) Comfortable with interrogating maps/spatial data Please clearly demonstrate how the above applies to you throughout your application. Failure to do so will mean that your application is automatically sifted out. Desirable: Member, or eligible for membership, of one of the following, Royal Town Planning Institute (MRTPI), Institute of Chartered Foresters (MICFor), CIEEM or other relevant chartered body. Experience of influencing external organisations to achieve environmental benefits. Fixed term Appointment to 30th March 2028. This is a Temporary Appointment with the possibility of extension or permanency but no guarantee.